Battle of Stalingrad – 1942

Battle of Stalingrad

August 23, 1942-February 2, 1943 – German and Russian forces battle for control of the Soviet city of Stalingrad.

After initial success in their invasion of the Soviet Union, German forces are held up by stiff Russian resistance on the outskirts of the city named for the Russian leader. The Germans lay siege to the city and focus huge resources on driving the Russians out – the capture of the city is a personal quest for Adolf Hitler.

After nearly five months of some of the most bitter house-to-house fighting seen in the war, the Russians counterattack and drive the Germans back. More than two million soldiers and civilians have been killed.

The Battle of Stalingrad marks a turning point in the European War, as Allied forces now begin advancing steadily against the Germans.